OPINION
Follow UsAfter four riveting games on the weekend, the league stage of the Indian Premier League is heading for an exciting finish, and it is fair to say the race for the top four places is heating up.
After 55 games, we take a look at the detailed analysis of the teams and their way ahead in the competition. We have not taken the Net Run Rate into consideration and will only dive deep into how the results of each of their clashes can affect their fortunes in the tournament.
Lucknow Super Giants
Matches - 11 | Wins - 8 | Losses - 3 | Points - 16 | Qualification probability - 99%
Lucknow Super Giants are currently on top of the points table with 16 points in 11 league matches. The KL Rahul-led side thrashed Kolkata Knight Riders in their last league match in Pune by 75 runs to record their eighth win and go on top of the table.
With three matches to go, the Super Giants boast of a healthy Net Run Rate and will only need to win one of the three fixtures to cement their place in the top two, giving them two games to make it to the summit clash.
Gujarat Titans
Matches - 11 | Wins - 8 | Losses - 3 | Points - 16 | Qualification probability - 99%
The newly-inducted Gujarat Titans have been one of the most consistent sides in this edition and recorded eight wins in the 11 matches played thus far. While they were the first team to win their first eight of the nine encounters, the Hardik Pandya-led side has suffered two successive defeats in their last two games.
The Titans are on 16 points and are most likely to get through to the playoffs, but they need to win in one of their last three matches which will consolidate their position in the top two.
Rajasthan Royals
Matches - 11 | Wins - 7 | Losses - 4 | Points - 14 | Qualification probability - 96%
After a string of defeats, the Rajasthan Royals have bounced back in a commanding fashion to record a six-wicket win against the Punjab Kings to inch closer to qualifying for the playoffs.
The Royals have seven wins in 11 league matches and need to win one out of their remaining three games to reach 16 points and secure their place in the final four.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Matches - 12 | Wins - 7 | Losses - 5 | Points - 14 | Qualification probability - 69%
After a commanding 67-run win against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore are currently on 14 points with seven wins in 12 games.
With the margin of victory being a significant one, the Net Run Rate of the Challengers has improved a bit, and they will need to win one out of their last two league matches to reach 16 points.
Delhi Capitals
Matches - 11 | Wins - 5 | Losses - 6 | Points - 10 | Qualification probability - 18%
One of the most formidable batting units in the competition, the Delhi Capitals have won five out of the 11 games.
While their Net Run Rate was the second-best in the competition before the Chennai game, a 91-run loss to Super Kings has dented their NRR. The Capitals are currently fifth on the points table and need to win all three matches to reach 16 points and secure their place in the playoffs.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Matches - 11 | Wins - 5 | Losses - 6 | Points - 10 | Qualification probability - 9%
Sunrisers Hyderabad are going through a dismal phase in the second half of the tournament and have lost their last four clashes. With five wins in the 11 matches, Hyderabad ought to win all three of their remaining fixtures to reach 16 points and seal their place in the final four.
The Orange Army has a gap of five days before they take on the Knight Riders and will look to get their mojo back to survive in the competition.
Punjab Kings
Matches - 11 | Wins - 5 | Losses - 6 | Points - 10 | Qualification probability - 9%
After starting the season with a comprehensive win against RCB, Punjab Kings have blown hot and cold in this edition.
The Royals outplayed them in their last encounter, and after six defeats, the equation for them is to win all three of their remaining fixtures to stand a chance to progress ahead in the competition.
Chennai Super Kings
Matches - 11 | Wins - 4 | Losses - 7 | Points - 8 | Qualification probability - 1%
After a captaincy change mid-way through the competition, Chennai won their first game under MS Dhoni but suffered a defeat against the Challengers that derailed their campaign. However, with a margin of 91 runs victory against the Delhi Capital in their last encounter, the Net Run Rate of the Super Kings has improved.
With only three games and the most points they can achieve is 14, the defending champions can only qualify for the final four if the results if they win all their matches and hope for the other results to go in their favour.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Matches - 11 | Wins - 4 | Losses - 7 | Points - 8 | Qualification probability - 0%
With a horrendous batting performance in their last game against the Super Giants, the Knight Riders endured their seventh defeat in the competition.
With only three matches remaining and the most they can achieve is 14 points by winning all of them, the Boys in Purple and Gold still cannot reach 16 points, resulting in their chances of getting to the playoffs being very slim.
Mumbai Indians
Matches - 10 | Wins - 2 | Losses - 8 | Points - 4 | Qualification probability - 0%
The five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, have bounced back with two consecutive wins after a horrific run in the first eight matches of the season.
While the Mumbai outfit does not have a chance of making it to the final four, the Rohit Sharma-led side will look to win most of their remaining four matches to end the season on a high.
